Mango Basil Frozen Yogurt Inspired by Ecuador’s Helados de Paila

I am convinced there is no lactose intolerance problem in South America. I just returned from Ecuador and on every street corner, in every mom and pop convenient store, I was tempted by ice cream and frozen fruit treats galore. Just as much as this sweet man…

Enjoying helados de paila ice cream in Old Town Quito, Ecuador

I am a sucker for all things milky and when you add fresh fruit to the mix I could die happy. Well Ecuador was a food lover’s dream – from the freshest shrimp ceviche to nearly 70 varieties of potatoes – but life’s short, so for frozen treat lovers young and old I wanted to start by sharing the sweeter side of my trip.

Cauldron ice cream (also known as helados de paila) is a traditional frozen delicacy in Ecuador that has been passed down from generations, using a typical bronze cauldron, ice, rock salt, and some of the country’s most iconic fresh fruit. Mango is among them.

It is a beautiful process and a delicious outcome (similar to a sorbet), but I thought I would simplify the method a bit and add in the milk. Thank you, food processor. All you need is your favorite summer fruit, yogurt, a little sweetener and a few hours to spare while it freezes. Life’s too short so don’t forget to eat dessert first.

Ice cream flavors in Quito, Ecuador

Mango Basil Frozen Yogurt

2014-07-18 19:21:59

This frozen yogurt treat is inspired by Ecuador's helados de paila. All you need is your favorite summer fruit, yogurt, a little sweetener and a few hours to spare while it freezes. Life’s too short, so eat dessert first.